Monday, July 23, 2007

A reader named Emily took the time to send me (well, Sophie, actually!) this e-mail (and gave me the okay to repost it here):

“I read your story in Best Women's Erotica 07 and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to google your pen name, in an attempt to find an email contact. Your story was great for it's purpose (as erotic fiction) but it was also a story I deeply related to. I was particularly moved by the character's struggle with her body image and how her dance class affected that. I look forward to reading more of your writing in the future. Thank you for your story!”

We all write for different reasons. To get the stories out, to get the words out of our heads. For the thrill of seeing our names on the book covers in stores. The money’s nice; the acceptances are always joyful, perhaps even a validation.

Every author I’ve met has pretty much said, though, that even if they knew they’d never see their name in print again, they’d still keep writing.

Striving for publication, though, is another matter. And I can tell you that one of the things we all really want there is communication. To know what we’ve written has reached a reader. (If that weren’t true, whyfore the proliferation of blogs?)

Acceptances: fantastic. Checks: sweet. But a reader taking the time to say “I read your work, and it meant something to me.”?

Priceless. The best gift a writer can receive.

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Some recent writing stats, from the last month or so. I’ll try to keep more current on these!

(And may I just say, it’s exceedingly cool to link to all of those books and think, “Hey, I’m in all of those!”)

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Currently Reading:Wraith, Phaedra Weldon (yes, I know I was a first reader on this manuscript. But the book is different, and I’m gearing up to be a first reader on book two, and it’s a kick-ass fabulous book!)Lately Listened To:Division Bell, Pink FloydRecently Watched:Northern Exposure

Sunday, July 22, 2007

The inimitable Vera Nazarian of Norliana Books has asked friends to put out a plug for said publishing company, which Vera herself started. Seeing as Norliana Books is reviving the Sword & Sorceress series of anthologies, and seeing as Vera did a lovely interview of me in her blog, how am I to say no?

About Me

DAYLE A. DERMATIS has been called “one of the best writers working today” by USA Today bestselling author Dean Wesley Smith. Under various pseudonyms (and sometimes with coauthors), she’s sold several novels and more than 100 short stories in multiple genres. She lives and works in California within scent of the ocean, and in her spare time follows Styx around the country and travels the world, all of which inspires her writing. She loves music, cats, Wales, TV, magic, laughter, and defying expectations. To find out where she is today, check out www.DayleDermatis.com.